Violent confrontations erupted on November 11, 2026, in the Sètiguiyah sector of Balato district, Kintinian prefecture, in Guinea's Siguiri administrative region. The clashes occurred between defense and security forces and local residents. According to the government, the violence was sparked by a joint patrol tasked with enforcing a ban on unauthorized and illegal gold panning. The patrol was disrupted by protesters who set up barricades on the public road.
The Guinean government has released a statement confirming that the clashes resulted in a provisional death toll of 10 people, including five foreign nationals whose identities have not been established. In addition to the fatalities, 13 people were injured, including civilians and security personnel. The government also reported significant material damage, including two pick-up trucks and a truck belonging to the defense and security forces that were set on fire.
The events leading up to the violence involved a joint patrol by defense and security forces aimed at verifying compliance with a November 2, 2026, joint decree banning unauthorized and illegal gold panning. However, the situation escalated when protesters erected barricades, hindering the patrol's mission. The protests subsequently turned violent, with exchanges of gunfire between the protesters and security forces.
The regional health authorities in Siguiri have confirmed the casualties and provided additional details on the material damage. This includes two crushing machines set on fire, a bar serving as a liquor depot destroyed, and several vandalized hangars. Furthermore, one war weapon and one motorcycle were reportedly taken by the protesters.
The Guinean government has strongly condemned the violence and the erection of barricades that impeded a public service mission. The government reaffirms its commitment to restoring public order, protecting people and property, ensuring free circulation, and enforcing the ban on unauthorized and illegal gold panning nationwide.
The government has also announced that the Prosecutor General near the Kankan Court of Appeal and the Prosecutor of the Republic near the Siguiri Court of First Instance have been informed. They are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the events, establish responsibility, and potentially initiate judicial proceedings against those responsible.
In response to the situation, the government has called for calm and restraint among the population. They urge anyone in possession of the taken weapon and motorcycle to return them to the nearest authorities. The government will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep the public informed through the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization.
Key points
- The clashes resulted in 10 deaths and 13 injuries.
- The violence was sparked by a dispute over unauthorized gold panning.
- The government has condemned the violence and vowed to restore public order.
